Denis Naughten (Roscommon-Galway, Independent)
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185. To ask the Minister for Health if he will outline his plans to extend the special scheme of paid leave for healthcare workers suffering from long Covid; if he intends to extend or replace this scheme before it is due to end in March 2024; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [9644/24]

Stephen Donnelly (Wicklow, Fianna Fail)
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In the public health sector, a temporary Special Scheme has been in place since July 2022 to provide special leave with pay for eligible staff in respect of Long Covid. This Special Scheme has been extended a number of times, however it will conclude as planned on 31st March 2024 and no further extensions will be granted. Employees impacted by the conclusion of the Special Scheme will receive an individual notification of this from their employer this week.

Any employee of the public health sector remaining unwell after that date, may utilise the full provisions of the Public Service Sick Leave Scheme which will provide further support.

The sick leave scheme provides full pay for three months, followed by half pay for three months, and after that, Temporary Rehabilitative Remuneration may be applied for, which, if granted, provides up to a further 547 days of paid leave. The Critical Illness Protocol that forms part of the sick leave scheme may also provide additional supports if granted.